Chương 23: Preparations and Frustrations

As the morning sun filters through the windows, the homeroom teacher strides into the classroom, his presence silencing the light chatter.

The entire class rises, then sits back down once the teacher gives the nod.

The teacher's voice resonates through the room, serious but carrying an undertone of excitement. "In a few days, we'll be hosting the annual Sports Festival. This year, it's going to be different. Not only will we compete with other schools, but we'll also be inviting parents to participate."

His words create a ripple of excitement, mixed with nervous murmurs among the students.

Adam, seated in his usual spot near the back, is half-listening. Dressed in his usual pink shirt attire, which casts shadows over his intense, focused eyes.

His mind wanders briefly, but he's jolted back as Leo, his friend sitting behind him, jabs a playful finger into his shoulder.

"Adam, what do you say? Wanna join this year?" Leo whispers, a mischievous grin on his face.

Adam is about to respond, a slight smirk forming on his lips, when the teacher raises his voice. "Quiet down, everyone!"

Instantly, the room falls silent, and Adam turns back, momentarily shelving Leo's question.

The teacher's gaze shifts to Ani, his tone changing to one of authority mixed with trust. "Ani, I'm assigning you as the coordinator for our class. You'll be working with the student council to prepare for the festival."

Ani nods, standing with confidence, replying with a clear, "Yes, sir."

The teacher's confidence in her is evident, and she wears it like a badge of honor.

"And," he continues, "you may choose an assistant to help you with the responsibilities. It'll be a demanding job."

At this, Leo nudges Adam's side again. "Raise your hand, go on! It'll be fun!"

His whisper is more of a dare than a suggestion, and a part of Adam feels tempted.

He knows Ani's diligent approach would be balanced well with his efficiency, and there's a part of him that would like the chance to work with her.

Ani, too, glances briefly toward Adam. He seems like the logical choice—quiet, capable, and always dependable.

But before she can act on her thought, Robin stands up abruptly, breaking the tension in the room. His hand is raised confidently. "I'll volunteer to help Ani."

A murmur of surprise spreads through the class. Just that morning, Ani had turned Robin down rather bluntly when he'd asked her out. Now, it seems he's not deterred, and some students exchange knowing glances.

"Alright, Robin," the teacher says, nodding approvingly, "you'll be assisting Ani."

Adam, who had hoped to help, feels a pang of frustration. Robin's presence always seemed to be a thorn in his side, though he isn't sure if it's because of Robin's persistence with Ani or simply his overbearing nature.

The lesson resumes, but Adam's mind remains elsewhere. Soon, the lunch bell rings, and he watches as Robin, ever determined, walks over to Ani, who is chatting with her friends.

Robin, oblivious to her discomfort, beams at her. "Don't worry, Ani. You can count on me to handle anything."

Ani, clearly trying to maintain her patience, hesitates, wanting to decline his help again. But one of her friends interjects, "Of course, Robin! Ani could use someone dedicated like you."

Ani casts a sideways glance at her friend, silently pleading. Her friend, understanding but unwilling to disrupt the peace, adds, "Remember last time? You ended up handling everything yourself. At least now you have someone to share the load."

With a resigned sigh, Ani looks around the room, her eyes briefly meeting Adam's, whose expression reveals his frustration as he grabs his lunch and leaves.

---

Later in the afternoon, the student council meeting is held in a well-lit conference room where representatives from each class and student council members gather.

Ani, sitting at the front with Robin next to her, feels her patience thinning as he bombards her with unnecessary questions.

His attempts to be helpful come off more as an excuse to stay close, and she answers him with short, curt responses, hoping he'll take the hint.

Ani's mind drifts, imagining how different it would be if Adam were beside her. Efficient, calm, and able to read her mood without words—he'd be a much more suitable partner.

But fate seems to have saddled her with Robin, who continues edging closer whenever he thinks she isn't paying attention.

At the front, Sakura, the student council president, commands everyone's attention.

A third-year with a poised and graceful demeanor, she exudes authority and charisma.

Her long hair flows elegantly over her shoulders, and her voice is calm yet inspiring. "This year, we've been granted a substantial budget, and the principal wants this Sports Festival to be a memorable event,"

Sakura announces, glancing around the room. "I'm counting on each of you to give it your all."

Ani listens intently, feeling a spark of excitement despite her discomfort.

Yet Robin's persistent gaze remains fixed on her, making her shift uneasily. She casts a glance at Sakura, hoping the meeting will progress swiftly.

The meeting moves into task assignments. Sakura, knowing Ani's abilities, looks at her with approval. "Ani, you're one of our most reliable students. Like last year, I'm counting on you to handle a significant part of the preparations."

Ani, already burdened by Robin's unwelcome presence, still manages to nod, albeit reluctantly.

She feels Sakura's expectations weighing down on her, but she meets them with quiet determination.

Sakura continues, "In fact, I would be thrilled if you joined the student council as a permanent member. We could use someone with your dedication."

Ani recalls a past conversation with Adam. When she once asked him why he hadn't joined any club, he'd replied nonchalantly, "None of them suit me."

That thought gives her resolve, and she respectfully declines Sakura's offer with a polite, "Thank you, but I don't think any club aligns with my interests right now."

Sakura respects her decision with a knowing smile. "Understood, Ani. Your choice is yours, and I support it."

As the meeting concludes, Ani desk is soon piled with documents detailing her responsibilities for the festival.

Resigned, she picks up a few papers, hands them to Robin, and begins to brief him on the tasks.

Robin, leaning in a bit too close, points at a page and asks, "Could you explain this section? It's a little confusing."

Ani, sensing his eagerness to close the distance, inches back and says firmly, "Could you move back a bit? You're standing too close."

Robin chuckles, scratching his head apologetically. "My bad," he says, though he's clearly unfazed.

Just as Ani starts organizing the tasks, Sakura assigns her one more responsibility.

"Ani, we'll need you to oversee the goods for the festival as well. You'll need to select and inspect items from the market, ensuring they meet the quality standards. I'm counting on you to handle this."

Everyone's eyes turn to Ani, admiration and pity mixing in their expressions.

She's about to protest, realizing that her workload has doubled, but Robin interjects before she can speak, "We're ready!"

With a sigh, Ani resigns herself to another late evening. Adam's figure flickers in her mind again, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Robin's unyielding enthusiasm.

If only things had played out differently, she muses, knowing that she might be able to handle her duties more efficiently.

As they head toward the market, Robin chatters incessantly beside her. She responds occasionally, finding herself wondering just how long she can endure this partnership.

To be connected.....